Screenwriting : Screenwriting, Networking, Learning by Josiah Bhola Hillaire

Sometimes it takes doing small stuff on your own and building your own fan base. May not get you anywhere quickly but you're at least doing what you love for an audience and inherently building your skills at the same time. Social media makes so much possible in that way.

LUCK. Timing. Hitting that "Flavor of the Month" status at the precise moment. The Law of Averages-- Too many creatives, not enough assignments. Perhaps having strong contacts and working the system to the best of your ability. Perhaps not. I was a guest speaker as part of a screenwriters' panel at a festival last year (One of the festival perks for being a Screenplay Finalist) and our guest screenwriter of merit with two very recognizable, A-list film titles attached to his name, boiled it down to one word: LUCK..... Look at that? We've come full circle.

I would say of the 98% you mention, nearly 98% don't want to put in the hard work of networking and relationship building. They also don't take the time to learn how the industry operates and how to navigate. Many actors and screenwriters are craft, craft, craft and, when push comes to shove, do not put themselves in a position to win within the framework of how the industry operates.

It's all about timing, networking and, like Richard Said, learning how the industry operates, but most of all, learning how to tell a good story. I've read this somewhere recently that it doesn't matter if a movie breaks Box-Office records or is just another MCU movie like most saturated superhero films. If you write something so minusucle that makes the character more fleshed out or a scene more concise and understandable, it will be a guaranteed success. I think the 98% suffer because they don't know how to write a good story.

Agree with you, Marcel, story will always be king. But knowing how to get that story in the right hands, makes the writer the king. Too many people look for shortcuts. There aren't any. They want it handed to them. Doesn't happen that way. They think networking and relationship building isn't worth the time. This industry is more tribal than any other and runs on relationships.

You make a great point, Richard. The story has to be in the right hands. Otherwise, you're wasting your time and effort for no reason. There are NO SHORTCUTS in life, period. I speak from personal experience.

A species will continue to do what has made it successful previously. So a director has had success with a writer, she will use that writer again. Studio has had success with that director they will use that director again.

You have a favourite meal. Why don’t we eat a different type of meal every night? Because we find comfort in things we recognise.

Now comes trust. We have circles we place people in The closest circle are family and loved ones. Then friends, then coworkers. So you as a complete stranger, where do you fit?

Now how do we get someone to notice us. We must be a solution to a problem. But that is a different topic.

We don’t suffer. We may not get what we want as fast as we want it. But the industry is also not a parent and has no obligation to care for us.

Did someone already mentioned luck? Ok, cause I just wanna add - nepotism to it...c'mon get real, how many nobodies even with Oscars in their hands disappear after taking a photo session for "Vanity Fair"? They gotta piece of the dream, now scram...everlasting fame is for the royalty only...

Richard "RB" Botto well said, "RB". Story and relationships go hand-in-hand. One has a pen, the other reaches out to connect.

Perhaps, Mark. But not if you don't know how to get those scripts in the right hands. I've written a hell less than 50, but over 80% of mine have been optioned (paid options, to be clear) or sold. That's not to brag, that's to say that I've put as much time into networking and building relationships AND understanding how the business operates and who is creating what at any given time that I've always had a plan as to where each of those scripts might live.

Kiril, longevity is hard because it requires constant quality. That is why there are one hit wonders vs The Beatles. Royalty comes from constant quality, not the other way around.

Well said Richard "RB" Botto

That’s so true Dan MaxXx

True Maria Restivo Glassner

Suffering is the way of the world.

It takes a lot of support, a lot of hanging in there, preparation must meet timing & luck; and, yes, connections are important. It's akin to winning the lottery. Being at the right place at the right time. The longer one hangs in there, the odds of that happening increase. But there are still many talented people who never catch a break. If someone feels they can't imagine doing anything else, that feeds into the probability that person will hang in there long enough to get a break. If they do, then the next one comes faster. Eventually, they can build up a resume and history of doing well. It's not for everyone. Very similar to screenwriting in that it's not an easy process. (all just my own opinion, of course)...

One of my biggest take-aways is that it's important to follow your heart (imo). It doesn't necessarily make things "easier" or help with landing more gigs (it can). But, for me, looking back, I feel a sense of self-satisfaction about having followed my heart in life and re: acting. This approach isn't for everyone. For me, it was the only way.

My former husband (RIP), a "working actor," set an example of self discipline. When I was still a little "green," I saw the tenacity and dedication that it takes and made a conscious decision to hang in there long enough to at least become a "working actor." Again, this life isn't for everyone. Sometimes the stars line up & magic happens. There are also times when... you almost have to laugh it off. For example, the acting gods have a "sense of humor" (it's usually not funny at the time-lol).

There were heartbreaks, frustrations & inequities along the way. But there was also a lot of magic. And mostly, I'm grateful I had and have the chance to follow my heart.

Limited supply coupled with the fact most people give up.